Wales have named their side to face France in their World Rugby U20 Championship opener tomorrow in Calvisano.
Speaking ahead of the game, coach co-ordinator Allan Lewis said:
“We have selected from a fully fit squad, preparation has gone well and in hot, dry conditions out here we are expecting an exciting game of 15-man rugby against France. We are raring to go and both teams realise the importance of the first game.”â€
“We certainly have a point to prove after being out-played by France last time around. However, it’s a different scenario here. There won’t be the same partisan crowd France enjoyed at St Gaudens (during the 6 Nations) and we have a good ref in Englishman Matt Carley so there will be no excuses. We have studied France and although France will fancy their chances, we are determined to right some wrongs.”
The Welsh U20s have been hit by the call up of captain Rory Thornton and Tyler Morgan to Warren Gatland’s 47 man senior training squad for the Rugby World Cup, of which Lewis said:
“Their step-up is the perfect illustration of the purpose of the pathway programme, enabling players to slot straight into the senior side from the Under 20s. Although Tyler’s inclusion is clearly a loss to the Under 20 side, he wasn’t involved in our Six Nations campaign so our players are well prepared for what is to come at this level.”
Wales U20 v France U20 – Calvisano, tomorrow, 15.30:
Wales U20:
Dafydd Howells (Ospreys); Lloyd Lewis (Dragons), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Garyn Smith (Blues), Joshua Adams (Scarlets), Dan Jones (Scarlets), Tom Williams (Blues); Luke Garrett (Dragons), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Dillon Lewis (Blues), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Rory Thornton (Ospreys, captain), Tom Phillips (Scarlets), Ollie Griffiths (Dragons), Harrison Keddie (Dragons)
Replacements: Liam Belcher (Blues), Keagan Bale (Dragons), Leon Brown (Dragons), Seb Davies (Blues), Jon Fox (Ospreys), Kieran Hardy (Scarlets), Jarrod Evans (Blues), Barney Nightingale (Dragons)
